SolidWorks System Requirements

Engineered for SolidWorks. Built to Power Your Precision.

The official system requirements from Dassault Systèmes will get SolidWorks running—but they won’t give you the speed and stability professionals need. If SolidWorks is part of your daily workflow, you need hardware that’s tuned for real performance.

At Signa, we’ve tested and built SolidWorks workstations for years. Whether you’re modeling parts, managing large assemblies, or running simulations, we’ll help you build a system that keeps up with your work—not one that holds you back.

⚙️ Processor (CPU) – Clock Speed is King

SolidWorks is mostly single-threaded for modeling and drafting tasks. That means clock speed—not core count—is the most important factor for most users. Higher GHz equals faster rebuilds, quicker commands, and a smoother user experience.

Best CPUs for SolidWorks:

• Intel Core Ultra 9 285K

• AMD Ryzen 9000 Series

These processors deliver exceptional single-core performance while offering plenty of threads for multitasking or running renderings and simulations in the background.

💡 Doing complex simulations or frequent renders? Let us know—we can tailor a build with more cores to handle those tasks more efficiently.

Graphics Card (GPU) – Certified, Reliable, Built for CAD

SolidWorks depends heavily on your GPU when dealing with large assemblies, 3D modeling, or RealView graphics. Certified GPUs ensure smooth navigation, visual stability, and access to advanced features like Ambient Occlusion and Shadows.

Top pick:

• NVIDIA RTX 4000 Ada (Professional Series)

This GPU offers excellent performance, rock-solid driver support, and is officially certified for SolidWorks—so you can avoid glitches and get full vendor support when needed.

GeForce vs RTX Professional (formerly Quadro):
GeForce cards can run SolidWorks, but they’re not certified. That means more risk of visual bugs and no guaranteed support. For business and professional use, we always recommend RTX Professional Series (RTX 2000, 4000, 5000, 6000) for reliability and peace of mind.

Memory (RAM) – Let Your Workflow Breathe

While SolidWorks itself isn’t a memory hog, multitasking with large assemblies, multiple windows, and other apps open can push your RAM usage quickly.

Recommended RAM:

• Minimum: 32GB

• Ideal for most users: 64GB

• Heavy users (simulations, large assemblies): 128GB+

Starting with 32GB ensures responsiveness. 64GB is perfect for busy workflows. Upgrading further is a smart move if you’re dealing with large, complex projects.

Storage (Drives) – NVMe = No Waiting

Fast storage doesn’t just affect file access—it impacts how quickly your system boots, how fast SolidWorks launches, and how smoothly projects open and save.

Recommended setup:

• Primary drive: 1TB–2TB+ NVMe SSD (for OS + SolidWorks)

• Optional: Secondary NVMe SSD for projects and cache

• Archival: High-capacity HDD or NAS for backups

Why NVMe?
NVMe SSDs use the ultra-fast M.2 interface, delivering speeds 6x faster than older SATA SSDs. You’ll notice faster startups, shorter save times, and a more responsive feel throughout your workday.

Why Choose a Signa Workstation for SolidWorks?

✅ Purpose-built for SolidWorks performance
✅ Certified hardware for stability and vendor support
✅ Expert tech support, right here in Toronto
✅ No guesswork—just the right parts for your needs
✅ Custom-built systems, no upsells or unnecessary parts

📞 Let’s Build the Right Workstation for Your Workflow
Whether you're designing precision parts or rendering photorealistic visuals, we’ll help you get the performance you need without overspending.

🔗 Book a free consultation
📍 Visit us: 3457 Yonge Street, Toronto
📞 Call us: (416) 488-9208

Notes

¹ Clock speed (GHz): Higher speed means faster calculations. Crucial for SolidWorks tasks like rebuilds, drawing generation, and feature edits.
² NVMe SSD: Fast, modern solid-state drive that uses the M.2 interface. Much faster than older SSD types.
³ Speed comparison: SATA SSDs top out at ~500 MB/s. NVMe SSDs often exceed 3,500 MB/s.